The Best Foods for Your Skin

By Monica Elvir on April 1, 2013

With spring finally approaching, I’ve noticed that this past winter has left my skin looking a little dull. I know that as soon as the weather warms up, I will be out lounging by the pool and adding some much needed color to my skin. But before that time comes, I need to prepare my skin with the anti-oxidants that will help protect it from that pesky free-radical damage.

At this point, you may be wondering what a free-radical is and why you should protect yourself against them:  free-radicals rob your molecules of electrons and end up destroying enzymes and cells that multiply into more free-radicals, thus increasing the damage to your cells. Free-radical damage speeds up the process of aging by breaking down collagen and reducing the oxygen supply to your cells, resulting in tired-looking skin.

It is usually environmental stresses, such as pollution or cigarette smoke, that cause most of the free-radical damage, but by following a diet that is rich in anti-oxidants, such as the ones listed below, you will be sure to prevent and repair the damage caused by free-radicals.

Photo by Valentinian via Flickr

Lycopene can be found in red fruits and vegetables, and is effective in blocking the damaging effects of UV rays, helping prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Eating tomatoes, watermelon, and red peppers will help protect your skin as you bronze up this spring.

Beta-Carotene is found abundantly in orange vegetables and leafy greens. I always grew up hearing that eating tons of carrots would help improve your eye sight but in addition to being great for your eyes, foods rich in beta-carotene will also help protect against sunburn and skin cancer. Be sure to stock up on carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale during your next visit down the produce aisle.

Flavonoids are usually found in berries, onions, green tea, and dark chocolate. Flavanoids have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and will help to strengthen the blood vessels under the skin and stabilize your elastin and collagen production. This will help minimize the appearance of your pores and help keep your skin looking firm.

Asorbic Acid (Vitamin C) can be found in oranges, papayas, broccoli, kale, and brussel sprouts. Vitamin C is the key to collagen production which gives skin its firmness and strength. It also helps create scar tissue and is the key to helping the skin repair itself. Vitamin C may help reduce sunburn and the appearance of dark spots.

Vitamin E can be found in nuts, eggs, leafy green vegetables and whole grains, and is the most powerful anti-oxidant of them all! Vitamin E is essential to healthy skin, but the body cannot produce on its own, which is why including it as a key component of your diet is important.

Try incorporating these anti-oxidants into your daily diet and watch as your skin transforms from dull and pasty to healthy and glowing.

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